This column will begin to tackle a huge topic that is a particular favorite of mine: Entrepreneurship.

This in no way means that I have all of the secrets to successful entrepreneurship. In fact, I would argue that no one really does, and that true entrepreneurship has a lot to do with being open-minded and aware that there is probably always going to be someone out there who knows a bit more than you do. That's just one of the many elements I find humbling and invigorating about living my life as an entrepreneur.

First, what exactly does it mean to be an entrepreneur? It means venturing out on one's one to implement an idea or concept, taking it to market and convincing others to buy into it, right? Yes, but I think there's more to it than that.

When I think of all of the entrepreneurs I've worked with over the years, some of whom were extremely successful and recognized in their fields and others who were just starting out and literally inching themselves toward the jumping off point of self-employment, I think of several traits they all had in common. Mainly I think of the seemingly insatiable need to create new ideas and share them with others. The success of the idea usually didn't seem to matter so much to the true entrepreneurs - the opportunity to present it and possibly implement it was where all of the fun was for them. Financial rewards and recognition lived on the secondary level.

So how do you know if you're "entrepreneurial?" In America, we live in a culture that encourages us to do things on our own, customize and feel like we are getting a unique experience. Only in America can you spend less than $3 and "get it your way," at least according to Burger King.

Customization is the "in" thing. We love to tailor our experiences and we talk endlessly of how much we dislike feeling pigeonholed. Most of the time when people describe what they really like or enjoy, there is an element of uniqueness to the experience.

Uniqueness is a major element of how entrepreneurs think: How can I make this product/service/idea unique to others? How can I create a unique experience for myself, feel free, and also be rewarded financially?



You might be an entrepreneur if ...

Recognizing that you may have an insatiable urge to create and lead the charge on a new project is a good first step in identifying if you're suited for being out on your own.

Ask yourself if you possess any or all of the following:

• Strong creativity and a need to express individual style, ideas and opinions.

• Ability to quickly grasp new concepts, shift gears, and go another direction.

• Desire to contribute on a higher level in terms of innovation, creativity or service.

• Resilience; ability to bounce back time after time when rejected.

• Ability to communicate ideas to others and persuade them to get on board.

• Desire to work on a rewards-based system rather than a stability-based system; you would forego a huge base salary for the opportunity to increase compensation based solely on performance.

• Strong desire for autonomy.

• Propensity to derive inspiration from several types of people and sources and develop business ideas based on your reactions to these.

• Tendency to pursue ideas relentlessly until they are implemented.

This is a mere short list of entrepreneurial traits. If I had to choose one that represents all the entrepreneurs I have worked with, it's resilience. This trait seems to be intrinsic; people don't usually learn to be resilient. They seem to have it built into their psyche and exercise it to sustain themselves and keep getting back on the horse.

No one likes rejection, but entrepreneurs see it as part of the game. If utilized the right way, rejection can be used as fuel to move forward. Rejection can create a strong sense of competition and can also be a catalyst for more creativity and to go in a different direction.

Are you an entrepreneur at heart? If you think that you are, start by learning everything you can about the subject. Talk to people who are self-employed, read books about successful entrepreneurs, and write down all of your ideas (even the "ridiculous" ones).

Ask yourself whom you are surrounded by who displays entrepreneurial traits. When you identify people who are entrepreneurial, talk to them about their experiences and their ideas. Ask them to mentor you and assist you in developing your plans.

Above all, have a goal of what you want to bring to fruition, put your ideas in motion by talking about them, asking for help and sustaining the excitement about your idea. This enthusiasm is the heart of entrepreneurial spirit and it never dies down; it may take on different forms, but it's always present, continuously propelling the entrepreneur toward personal and professional improvement and satisfaction.



Dawn Duncan is the co-owner of Broadreach Recruiting & Consulting, a Fort Collins-based firm that assists companies in attracting, retaining and training professional and executive staff. Contact her at 970-221-3511 or www.broadreachrecruiting.com.